program proposal : guided self-help bulimia nervosa program delivered in primary care [research project]
abstract
bulimia nervosa is a complex emotional and physical illness that presents
challenges for primary care providers in identifying and supporting individuals with this
eating disorder. many patients experience difficulties in accessing specialist
psychological treatments. in particular, mature patients and those in rural settings may
find significant barriers to cognitive behavioural therapy delivered in specialist settings.
guided self-help administered in primary care can be an effective first step in the
treatment of less severe bulimic patients. this project provides a literature review on
the efficacy of self-help treatments for bulimia nervosa, outlines a conceptual
framework for more intervention at the primary care level, and proposes a program to
develop and implement a guided self-help tool for the treatment of bulimia nervosa in
primary care.